Fitted with Tekno wheels, I have to admit that the semi-trailer, which is today close to 50 years of age, can easily compete with much newer models. It is towed by a more modern Corgi Classic SAVIEM tractor.Impossible to definitively decide about its scale, with specialists balancing between 1/50 and 1/55. As far as I'm concerned, the model width of 4.8cm would favor a 1:50/1:52 scale for the semi-trailer alone, while the Dinky Willeme tractor should be in a 1:55 scale!

After the Fruehauf semi-trailer produced by Dinky Toys France and presented above, another Dinky model: the Rapier TA 3 mixing drum fitted on an Albion Chieftain Super Six chassis, produced in UK in a 1/48 scale.I thought first that the model had been imagined by a British Dinky designer having smoked some illicit products, until I discovered that this "tilting agitator" (that's its proper designation) had really existed: that's why I got one on e... for modifications:

Produced from 1958 to replace horizontal mixing drums, the 3-cubic yard (2.29 m3) tilting agitator was not very successful in spite of being simple and cheap to produce, mainly because of its insufficient capacity.

Guy thanks for posting the information on the Menzi Muck, and your correct there don’t seem to be any around because I have been looking for awhile. That 3 yard mixer looks like a great little model, I bet the designer had a fifth of scotch to go with that Jamaican tabacky. Please post pictures when that is completed. Guy you and your team have a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year and lots more customs for the forum. Thanks Steve

[...] That 3 yard mixer looks like a great little model, I bet the designer had a fifth of scotch to go with that Jamaican tabacky [...]

Steve,

Here is the model produced by Dinky Toys. As for most models at that time, the cab is empty, even if it was some kind of "modern" model, with a dual-tired rear axle and glazing. There was as well a link between its rear axle and the drum, so the "agitator" could rotate when the truck was rolling:

The only picture of the Rapier unit I could find (on a different truck, though) and some data extracted from a document of the Dundee University (Scotland):

Guy your modifications already look far better than the original. It seems like it would be a good idea for redi mix companies to have at least one of those for the homeowner who is a do it yourselfer. You could charge them an arm and a leg for 3 yards, or 1 or 2 yards. Thanks for the information on the real version. Steve

Hitachi will commission the model to be made for them by TMC,the merchandise company.They will produce scale replicas of whatever new machine is being produced 1/1.I am not sure if TMC actually make the model,or contract a manufacturer,but it will be a TMC production/end product,for Hitachi.I have the latest version of that loader,the 310-6,I have always thought of it as a TMC model.

Many thanks for your information: as there was nothing on the excavator box - except for Hitachi brand and logo - I was not 100% sure of which company had produced that model.

As per their website, TMC Scale Models claim to be a "new model manufacturer specialising in producing high quality, high precision die-cast models". They "deliver exclusively to brands and license holders" and apparently provide Hitachi with various 1/50 scale models of their products. Nothing is mentioned on the website though about them subcontracting part or all construction.

I have always been impressed with TMC.They produce good quality,functional,packed with detail,models.Whatever they make is a very good representation of the 1/1 machine.I never doubt anything,they make.The Hitachi models are very good.I would definitely buy the TMC brand,based on what I have.

I believe that Replicars manufactured the model, there is also a Kawasaki version of the same machine in 1:50.

Actually, there are two versions of the wheel loader model in both Kawasaki and Hitachi branding. Everything behind the cab except the fenders and tires is different between the two versions. As Kawasaki Construction Machinery no longer exists in North America, the models seem to have dried up on eBay.

Even though these are Replicars least detailed models in recent years they are a nice addition to any collection.

You cannot post new topics in this forum.
You cannot reply to topics in this forum.
You cannot delete your posts in this forum.
You cannot edit your posts in this forum.
You cannot create polls in this forum.
You cannot vote in polls in this forum.